The Oregonian editorial board's picks for the May 2014 primary: Editorial endorsement

The Mt. Tabor water reservoir in Southeast Portland. Oversight of the city's water supply is one of the biggest issues on the May ballot for Portland voters.

(Benjamin Brink/The Oregonian )

Will Portland voters approve a new water district? Will Beaverton voters OK the largest school bond in Oregon history? Who will Republicans choose as the best candidate to challenge U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley?

These are three of the biggest questions in the May primary, an election that is likely to have low turnout but lasting impact. As Oregonians open their ballots and prepare to vote, we offer the
following summary of The Oregonian editorial board's endorsements for
Portland-area legislative primaries, county commission seats and
other key races and measures.

: Kafoury's reputation for integrity and level-headedness, combined with her experience
as a county commissioner and state representative, put her ahead of her leading opponent Jim Francesconi, whose campaign has lacked coherence.

The drive for a separate utilities district to manage water and sewer services trades on pent-up anger about high rates. But the measure, as written, could introduce inequities and problems down the line.

: This $9.4 million bond measure is a trimmed-down request to replace a decrepit building and make a few other essential capital improvements. It will replace expiring bonds and not raise property taxes.

: Though this measure contains worthy capital projects, the district overreached with a $680 million ask. The bond should be divided into two measures, one in November 2014 and one in 2018, to allow for greater accountability and a fuller public vetting.

Voters should go with the challenger in this one. The Boring Community Planning Organization member is smart and effective, and his views are more consistent with the county's recent shift than those of incumbent Jim Bernard.

Oregon Legislature

Democratic primaries

House District 34, Jason Yurgel:
In a competitive three-way race, Yurgel
has the deepest roots in the community, demonstrates a grasp of a broad
array of issues and shows the strongest commitment to fiscal
responsibility.

House District 41, Deborah Barnes: A career and technical teacher
who is passionate advocate of creating more opportunity for those who do
not pursue four-year degrees, Barnes is the best fit for the district.

House District 42, Rob Nosse: In a six-way race to replace Rep. Jules Bailey, who is running for a county office, Nosse stands out. His experience with the Oregon Nurses Association and Oregon Student Association gives him a solid working knowledge of health care and education.

The Speaker of the House has handled her leadership role in a calm, deliberative
manner and deserves to be re-elected.

House District 45, Barbara Smith Warner:
Incumbent Warner and her opponent, Tom Sincic, deserve kudos for
showing commitment and class. Both candidates cite health policy high on
their list of concerns and reflect the district's views on most issues,
but Warner is the more pragmatic of the two and has shown the capacity
to represent the district well.

Republican primaries

House District 18, Vic Gilliam:
Voters should send incumbent Gilliam to the general election. Gilliam
drew the ire of some Republican donors, who are supporting primary
opponent David Darnell, because he voted in favor of driver cards for
illegal immigrants. But on most issues he has a solid conservative
record.